What Is Causing My Back Pain?

Back pain can be the result of many things such as arthritis, bulging discs, trauma, sitting too much, standing for too long, or too much exercise.

Pain can also be caused by a combination of these things. Most back pain is temporary and will resolve itself within weeks or months with good self-care (simply taking it easy) and avoiding activities that aggravate the symptoms until they ease up. For more information on this topic, read this article from Harvard Medical School: causes of back pain

Often felt in the lower back but…

You may also complain of pains that are going down your leg, or you feel it in your hip or buttocks. This is actually very common. This is because the nerves in your back send pain signals to other areas of the body especially if a nerve is being pressed on. Depending on where the pain is being felt, the doctor can make an educated guess as to what level in your spine the problem is at!

How long will it last?

Some back pain can last anywhere from a few days to years. It can come and go, and it may feel like a dull ache, burning sensation, sharp stabbing pain or intense throbbing. The intensity can range from mild to severe. Acute back pain often comes on suddenly, while chronic back pain typically develops gradually over time.

Well, what do doctors recommend you do?

Anti-inflammatories, muscle relaxants, topical creams, epidural injections and physical therapy are usually some of the treatment options doctors will suggest. The problem is, they don’t always work and what works for one person may not work for another.

It sounds like I just left you without a lot of answers. This is true, but some medical professionals are turning to alternative treatments for back pain for their patients. Acupuncture, anti-inflammatory diet, message therapy are just some examples.

It's painful and can disrupt your life.

Back pain can be very painful, and the pain can last a long time. This can disrupt your life and make it hard to do your everyday activities.

You may need to take time off work and might even need help with household chores, like shopping or cooking. The pain can also prevent you from going out with friends or family—or doing any of the things that you love to do.

Even simple tasks, like getting dressed in the morning or going up and down stairs, can be difficult. You may have trouble sleeping, which may affect other areas of your life. Severe back pain may even make it hard for you to walk or stand up straight.

Back pain is also associated with depressed mood and anxiety and can affect your relationships with people around you if they're unaware of what's happening

What should I do?

If you are experiencing back pain that has been occurring longer than 3 months, you should speak with your doctor. They may want to order some imaging of your back or start you in some physical therapy.

If you have tried medications, physical therapy, injections, and contemplated and/or had surgery and it did not work, I would highly suggest looking into alternative treatments. The anti-inflammatory diet is a great way to improve your nutrition while decreasing inflammation throughout your body.

Finding an exercise program that you enjoy and does not harm you is also a great way to help with the pain. Yoga, Pilates, Tai Chi, and water aerobics are just some suggestions to look into. Also hiring a personal trainer who is familiar with the cause of your back pain is highly recommended. They can keep you motivated and hold you accountable all while creating diverse exercise routine for you to enjoy.